For SDSU, timing can be everything

Meanwhile, SDSU has forced 12 turnovers in four games, helping the team rank sixth out of 120 teams nationally in turnover margin. Long’s risk-reward defense is built to do that, but it’s also prone to give up big plays on occasion as a result. In Long’s estimation, the defense has given up too many of them, especially last week, when Michigan broke free on runs of 32 and 53 yards on their first two possessions.

Part of the problem is SDSU’s youth on the defensive line, where several freshmen are getting significant playing time, especially with backup junior lineman Frederick Trujillo hobbled by a periodic back problem.

“One minute they’re doing OK; the next minute they’re getting dominated,” Long said. SDSU ranked 80th out of 120 teams in total defense last week, having given up 390.5 yards per game.

All about timing: On the other side of the ball, the Aztecs’ offense is defined by the sense that it’s not on track yet despite running back Ronnie Hillman, who ranked as the nation’s fourth-leading rusher last week with 151.5 yards per game. Much of that perception was fueled by the Michigan game, in which quarterback Ryan Lindley completed just 23 of 48 passes for 253 yards. After that game, SDSU dropped from 49th to 73rd nationally in pass efficiency.

Long said Lindley “wasn’t as relaxed as he normally is” against Michigan and was “trying to throw the ball too soon.”

It might be just a blip, though. Glitches in the passing game were expected this season after the departure of last year’s top two receivers to the NFL.

“I think he’s done a good job,” SDSU quarterbacks coach Brian Sipe said of Lindley. “We haven’t turned the ball over. He’s always kept us in games. I’m happy with where he is.”

It’s all about timing sometimes – between Lindley and his receivers and between the Aztecs and their schedule. Fortunately for SDSU, TCU appears to be having a down year on defense. The Horned Frogs entered Saturday’s game ranked 109th in pass efficiency defense before giving up 461 total yards Saturday against SMU. Air Force wasn’t much better at 92nd.

In addition to preparing for TCU this past week, SDSU spent more practice time playing its first-team defense against its first-team offense. Long said the idea behind that was to get those units better conditioned to the speed of the game. During normal practice weeks, the first-team units sometimes get into the routine of facing the scout team, which often feature mostly third-team players trying to simulate the looks of upcoming opponents.

"With ones against ones, the speed of game is faster than the scout team," Long said.

It's all about getting their "edge" back after Michigan. It's also about keeping up with TCU, a team SDSU has never beaten in six tries.

“We’re getting our mechanics down and getting the timing right, “ Lockett said. “It’s good we had a bye week.”